Member Spotlight: Jonny Barba Lopez
For Jonny Barba Lopez (Local 231 – Pewaukee, WI) the path to becoming a union carpenter was not always clear but once he found his calling, everything started to fall into place.
Jonny’s introduction to the trades began early. His father, a self-described jack-of-all-trades, would bring him along to side jobs, giving Jonny a hands-on look at construction from a young age. He also spent time working alongside his brother, a mason, gaining exposure to different types of work and learning the basics.
As Jonny entered high school, he struggled to stay engaged. Like many students during the COVID-19 pandemic, he faced a sudden shift—academically and socially—that made it hard to stay connected. Missing a few classes turned into questioning the value of being there at all. His perspective changed, and his priorities began to shift, as they often do at that age.
Everything came into focus when Jonny learned he was going to be a father at just 17. In that moment, everything changed. “I was still a kid, doing whatever I wanted,” Jonny said. “Then I found out I was going to have a child, and I had to snap back and get myself together.”
Determined to create a better future, Jonny returned to school to finish his credits. With the support of teachers at Washington Park High School, who rallied around him and even welcomed his son into the classroom when needed, he was able to reset. It was during this time that he discovered a summer trades program that introduced students to local union training centers.
When Jonny visited the carpenters training center, something clicked.
“I felt pulled toward the carpenters,” he said. “That’s when I knew this was the path for me.”
He officially began his apprenticeship in February 2024 and one of Jonny’s favorite parts is learning directly on the job. He values the guidance of experienced journeymen who not only teach him the trade but also invest in his growth.
“They see potential in me,” Jonny said. “They take the time to help me, and that means a lot.”
Currently working on a large-scale data center project in Port Washington with McCarthy Building Companies, Jonny is gaining experience on one of the biggest crews he has ever been part on. For him, the size of the project is not just impressive, it is an opportunity.
“It’s the biggest group I’ve ever worked with,” he said. “Getting to know people and helping others who might not have as much experience is really cool. I love making people feel comfortable. It feels like a brotherhood.”
That sense of connection is a big part of what being a union carpenter means to Jonny. Having experienced both union and non-union environments, he’s seen the difference firsthand.
“The union brings professionalism, support, and a sense of purpose to every job,” he said. “You’re part of something bigger, and you’re looking out for the people around you.”
Outside of work, Jonny is passionate about giving back. He regularly participates in career fairs, sharing his story with students and encouraging them to consider the trades. His favorite spot to return to is Washington Park, his alma mater, and the place that impacted him in so many ways.
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“I’d go talk to 100 students just to impact one,” he said. “This isn’t just a job for me, it’s a career.”
Jonny also is an active union member attending his local meetings, the annual Wisconsin Legislative Conference and is going to be heading to the UBC International Training center this year for the 3rd year apprenticeship training.